Center Game: Halasz-McDonnell Gambit
ECO C21 ยท Center Game
The Center Game: Halasz-McDonnell Gambit (C21) is a chess opening in the Center Game family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. f4.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. f4
About this opening
The Halasz-McDonnell Gambit (3.f4) turns the Center Game into a double gambit: having given up d4, White also offers f4 to open lines toward the black king and speed up the attack. The compensation is speculative but the offensive potential real in practical play. It is a romantic, sharp line, best kept for fans of complications and attacking play.